News story

Secretary of State visits the jHub

The Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, Secretary of State for Defence, has visited the jHub offices in London to learn about their role in UK defence.

The Secretary of State and General Sir Chris Deverell are briefed on the projects being carried out by jHub

The Secretary of State and General Sir Chris Deverell were briefed on a number of projects currently being worked on jHub. MOD Crown Copyright 2019

Joined by Commander Joint Forces Command (JFC), General Sir Chris Deverell, Mr Williamson was briefed on the work being carried out by jHub Defence and their role within JFC.

The Secretary of State meeting with two staff members from the jHub, discussing their current work projects.

The Secretary of State also took time to meet with jHub staff and discuss their current work projects. MOD Crown Copyright 2019

During his visit, Mr Williamson was shown projects in various stages of development across many different areas, including in communications, logistics and medicine - all aimed at delivering advantage for UK defence.

When it comes to innovation, jHub model their work practices on those used in the private sector, especially by start-ups and technology companies. This allows them to use approaches previously not tried in UK defence, especially when it comes to the procurement of new technology and systems. jHub measures its success by its ability to deliver capabilities into the hands of users.

General Sir Chris Deverell explaining the objectives of the jHub to the Secretary of State

The Secretary of State was briefed on jHub's role within Joint Forces Command, and how it supports UK defence. MOD Crown Copyright 2019

After the visit, General Deverell said:

‘jHub is at the cutting edge of innovation in UK Defence. By taking new and original approaches to developing ideas and technology, promoting approaches employed in the private sector, they can disrupt current process and deliver advantage.

It has been great to show the Secretary of State the work jHub has been carrying out, and how this benefits the whole of UK defence. Without doubt, other than operations, Joint Forces Command innovation is the most exciting thing I have been part of in a military career spanning nearly 40 years.’

Published 28 January 2019